an American online travel guide providing LGBT travelers with information on inclusive destinations and companies -- has revealed its pick of the year's best travel providers. Winners include the US city of Las Vegas, crowned "Destination of the Year."

The "Gay Travel Awards," an American website hopes to encourage more travel firms to consider the inclusiveness of their services and amenities for LGBT travelers.

This first list of winners sees Las Vegas crowned "Destination of the Year" for LGBT travelers. The USA is particularly well represented in the line-up of winners. Other US hotspots for LGBT inclusiveness include South Beach's 12th Street Beach in Miami, crowned "Beach of the Year." In fact, Florida appears to be a prime destination for LGBT travelers, with Fort Lauderdale's Ritz-Carlton hotel named the "Best Luxury Hotel" for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual travelers.

"Gay Bar of the Year" goes to The Abbey, West Hollywood, whereas travellers in search of relaxation can head to Napa Valley in California, where The Meadowood Spa is named gay-friendly "Spa of the Year."

Prize-winning destinations in Europe include the Spanish city of Madrid, scooping "Gay Pride of the Year," and the continent's top gay-friendly hotel in the Austrian Alps.

The full list of Gay Travel Awards categories and winners:

Airline, Commuter: Cape Air

Airline, International: Virgin Atlantic

Airline, US: Southwest

Beach of the Year: 12th Street Beach, South Beach, Miami

Bed & Breakfast of the Year: The Candleberry Inn on Cape Cod

Cruise Line of the Year: Royal Caribbean International

Destination of the Year: Las Vegas

Event of the Summer: Out in the Vineyard

Event of the Winter: Whistler Gay Pride & Ski Festival

Gay Bar of the Year: The Abbey West Hollywood

Gay Pride of the Year: Madrid

Gayborhood of the Year: Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta

Hotel Collection of the Year: Starwood Hawaii

Luxury Hotel, Europe: Hotel Alpine Palace, Austria

Luxury Hotel, US: The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

Hotel of the Year: ME Cabo

Hotel, Wedding: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

Spa of the Year: The Meadowood Spa in the Napa Valley

Theater/Show of the Year: "Hamilton"

Tour Operator of the Year: (tie) HE Travel & Oscar Wilde Tours

]]>editor@guidetogay.com (Guidetogay.com)TravelTue, 03 Jan 2017 10:18:43 +1100Disney donates $1m + to Pulse Orlando Fundhttp://guidetogay.com/travel/2719-disney-donates-1m-to-pulse-orlando-fund
http://guidetogay.com/travel/2719-disney-donates-1m-to-pulse-orlando-fundTwo days after the deadliest shooting in U.S. history rocked the city that's home to Disney World, the iconic tourism and entertainment destination pledged its support in a big way. The Walt Disney Company is donating $1 million to the families of the victims of the shooting at Pulse nightclub, which killed 49 and wounded dozens more.

The donation will go to the OneOrlando Fund set up by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to aid the affected families. In addition to the $1 million, Disney says it will match all donations made by Disney employees.

"We are heartbroken by this tragedy and hope our commitment will help those in the community affected by this senseless act," Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said in a statement.

"With 74,000 cast members who call Orlando home, we mourn the loss of the victims and offer our condolences to their families, friends and loved ones."

The update issued by the UK Foreign Office on its website under the heading of "local laws and customs," highlights potential problems for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) people.

"The U.S. is an extremely diverse society and attitudes towards LGBT people differ hugely across the country," it says. "LGBT travelers may be affected by legislation passed recently in the states of North Carolina and Mississippi."

The warning comes just ahead of President Obama and Michelle Obama's visit to the UK to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday.

The U.S. is now one of a number of countries and territories about which the UK Foreign Office offers advice to LGBT travelers.

In its general advice, it states that attitudes around the world "can be very different to those of the UK," but travelers are unlikely to have any problems if they prepare well and research their destination before they go.

The New York Democrat suggests that the upcoming Federal Aviation Authority Reauthorization bill include minimum seat-size standards for commercial aircraft.

“Consumers are tired of being packed into airplanes like sardines, and so, it’s time for the FAA to step up and stop this deep-seated problem from continuing," Schumer said.

“When talking to travelers, the number one complaint I hear is shrinking legroom and cramped seats."

The current FAA authorization is set to expire on March 31, and Congress must pass legislation to reauthorize the agency before that date.

]]>editor@guidetogay.com (Guidetogay.com)TravelTue, 01 Mar 2016 20:09:53 +1100Stephen Fry welcomes visitors to the UKhttp://guidetogay.com/travel/2663-stephen-fry-welcomes-visitors-to-the-uk
http://guidetogay.com/travel/2663-stephen-fry-welcomes-visitors-to-the-ukOne of the UK's most globally known icons, Stephen Fry has teamed up with Heathrow Airport, to welcome visitors to the majestic island.

A witty and fabulous video that showcases some of the smaller traditions and customs some folks visiting the UK may not know about or want to participate in during their visit.

Well worth a viewing... and you can watch it here!

]]>editor@guidetogay.com (Guidetogay.com)TravelFri, 08 Jan 2016 01:12:32 +1100New Years Eve around our big Gay Worldhttp://guidetogay.com/travel/2659-new-years-eve-around-our-big-gay-world
http://guidetogay.com/travel/2659-new-years-eve-around-our-big-gay-worldFrom pyrotechnics, to personal appearances from LGBTQI artists, to free events and clubbers dreams, the big gay world has a bunch of stuff to do no matter your budget or wants and needs this new years...

Sydney

Free fireworks are all around Sydney Harbour - with Darling Harbour having its own secondary yet just as spectacular fireworks display. Good thing about Darling Harbour is there are tonnes of facilities like toilets, food and such to make your night a breeze.

Looking for a cost effective yet totally camp night out? Then the Shift Club is putting on a massive celebration - the NYE Glitter party. With special guest appearance by USA superstar, BP MAJOR. Dance the night away with DJ ANVI and DJ ADAM LOVE and the Shift showcast... it's going to be massive. Only $10+bf - pre sale [TIX AVAILABLE HERE]

Those with money to splash can head to the MCA at Circular Quay for "Celebration" - a rooftop event with birdseye view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House fireworks, plus amazing DJs like the fab Dan Murphy and Alex Taylor. Tickets are $530 a pop. *NOW SOLD OUT*

Melbourne

Love yourself some good classic covers? Then Musicland's New Years Eve party is the place for you... lots of live music and all from the cool Einsteins Toyboys! They will be playing some of the greatest Rock songs from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Only $30 entry. Resale available online or at door if capacity not reached.Musicland Melbourne | 1359 Sydney Road, FAWKNER | Melbourne, VIC

The lovely blokes at the Laird Hotel are having "LOVE GUN" so you can party in the new year with a bang!Custom lighting and décor will be enhanced by sonic tunes from our Deck Crew Nick Shepherd and Jayson Leahy.With no ticket required and inflight refreshments at the usual down-to-earth prices this is the best value NYE trip around. FREE.The Laird Hotel | 149 Gipps Street, Abbotsford | Melbourne, Victoria 3067

In The Dark is bringing its Swagger to Melbourne, with urban tunes to make you pop both your cork and your booty! With special guest Alaska Thunderfuck, it's always fun to go get your swagger on. $38.50 | Sorry Grandma - 590 Little Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia

LISMORE- AustraliaTropical Fruits is the long running out of Sydney New Years LGBTQI festival. Super freaks is the theme this year and is looking amazing.The TROPICAL FRUITS New Year's Festival is a four-day GLBTI celebration held in the city of Lismore in sub-tropical Northern NSW, an area rather appropriately known as the Rainbow Region.Multiple events over the period, with the spectacular NYE party.

New York

LIFT OFF at the all new RISE bar for a new year celebration you won't forget. Our good pal Corey Craig is behind the decks to shimmy you into the new year."Black Barbarella" Ebonee Excell performs those zero gravity splits... and some surprise guests are lined up as well! Throw n a live televised countdown and free champagne at midnight - join the NYC party to rise above all others.From 10pm | Rise Bar 859 9th Ave New York, NY

London

It's the home of the clipart event poster - but what London's gay venues lack in originality, their parties do not disappoint... From Cascada at G-A-Y, to La Voix at Two Brewers, Horse Meat Disco, Bang!, Beyond and more - there are zillions of club nights to bang into the new year on. Our pick would have to be G-A-Y for any visitor as its the gayest dampest club filled... but check out any gay bar for a good time and of course the clubs for those shirtless moments, that no doubt will include a lot of glitter around midnight.

For more events on New Years Eve and of course year round... check out our WHATS ON GUIDE

]]>editor@guidetogay.com (Guidetogay.com)TravelFri, 25 Dec 2015 20:04:49 +1100Starwood and Marriott combine to make worlds biggest hotel grouphttp://guidetogay.com/travel/2648-starwood-and-marriott-combine-to-make-worlds-biggest-hotel-group
http://guidetogay.com/travel/2648-starwood-and-marriott-combine-to-make-worlds-biggest-hotel-groupMarriott International has acquired Starwood, creating the world’s largest hotel portfolio with over 5,500 properties. The deal, worth a reported $12.2 billion, will have over one million rooms globally.

“We became more convinced about the advantages of size by combining the two companies together,” Marriott Chief Executive Arne Sorenson said. “We thought that would bring more options for customers and create a bigger loyalty program. We’d have the ability to compete better, invest in technology and stay front and center with customers.”

The massive hospitality company will include over 30 brands, and there has been no word on how the brands will be integrated. “We’ll take it a step at a time,” he said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

No news on wether the merger will affect either of the companies LGBT tourism strategies or marketing plans.

The dream makers have revealed that the new areas will begin construction in 2016.

Walt Disney COO Thomas Staggs revealed the news on Thursday (September 10) though he did not confirm an opening date.

Some details of the new 14-acre attractions at Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida have already been revealed, including an experience where fans are dropped into a rebel battle.

The lands will also have a ride where visitors get to control the Millennium Falcon.

Disney CEO Bob Iger said: "We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever.

"These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance."

Iger also confirmed that the lands will contain characters from the original Star Wars movies alongside those from the upcoming The Force Awakens.

Watch the announcement at D23.

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]]>editor@guidetogay.com (Guidetogay.com)TravelFri, 11 Sep 2015 11:02:09 +1000Australia's Capital Airport turns it on for #MarriageEqualityhttp://guidetogay.com/travel/2577-australia-s-capital-airport-turns-it-on-for-marriageequality
http://guidetogay.com/travel/2577-australia-s-capital-airport-turns-it-on-for-marriageequalityIts the hub of political life in Australia, with every national politician flying through its gates this week in the lead up to a cross party bill the may finally see Australia join the rest of the civilized world in recognizing Marriage Equality.

The Snow Family owned airport is now Australia's newest international capacity terminal, and it jumped at the chance of highlighting the issue that an overwhelming majority of Australians support, as the family has its own same sex couple amongst its ranks.

A massive thankyou to the Snow family, staff and team at Canberra Airport.

#wecandothis is the social media hashtag if you want to join in on the action.

]]>editor@guidetogay.com (Guidetogay.com)TravelSun, 09 Aug 2015 18:13:03 +1000Top Travel Destinations of 2015http://guidetogay.com/travel/2573-top-travel-destinations-of-2015
http://guidetogay.com/travel/2573-top-travel-destinations-of-2015Each year MasterCard releases their Global Destination Cities, and this year, the most visited global city is once again London.

The English capital welcomed over 18.82 million travelers receiving the crown five out of the past seven years the study has been conducted.

Following close behind is Bangkok, which saw some 18.24 million travelers. No surprise, that New York and Los Angeles are the only US cities to crack the top 20.

The MasterCard’s 2015 Global Destination Cities Index also shows that international visitor numbers and their cross-border spending have grown faster than world real GDP since 2009.